For This Assignment You Will Create A Profile Of A Sacred Sp

For This Assignment You Will Create A Profile Of A Sacred Space Consid

For this assignment you will create a profile of a sacred space considering specific criteria. Select one of the following sacred spaces to analyze: Great Stupa, Sanchi India (p. 413); Masjid-i-Shah (Shah Mosque), Isfahan, Iran (p. 588); Ise Jingu (shrine complex), Ise, Japan (p. 589); Kandariya Mahadeva temple, Khajuraho, India (p. 416); Ziggurat of Ur, Iraq (p. 569). All text and images should be saved in one document and submitted as a .doc or .pdf. Your final document should include the following:

  1. General Description - Why was it built? Is its location significant?
  2. Architectural Design - What aspects of its design are unique? What engineering techniques are significant? How was the space designed for its function?
  3. Harmony with Nature - How is the building (or the site as a whole) oriented? Do the cardinal directions play a role? Is the design related to astronomy? Are natural elements or materials used? Was sunlight considered when making the space?
  4. Symbolism - Are there religious symbols? Do shapes have special meaning?
  5. Sacred Objects - What objects are held within the space? Are there relics?
  6. Historical and Contemporary Use - How was this space originally used by worshipers? How did they practice their rituals? How is it used today?
  7. Comparison with Chartres Cathedral - Find at least two similarities and two differences. Discuss how these similarities and differences relate to the function of these spaces. Note that since these spaces support different religions, differences in religion should not be considered.
  8. Images - Include five images showing aspects of the building that support your comments. Images should be proportionally correct, not stretched, and saved as JPEG files.
  9. Sources - Cite all sources used, ensuring they are credible and appropriately referenced.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The study of sacred spaces provides profound insights into the spiritual and cultural practices of diverse religions worldwide. For this analysis, I have selected the Great Stupa at Sanchi, India, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its symbolic architecture and historical significance. The Great Stupa exemplifies Buddhist religious principles and serves as a monumental symbol of enlightenment. This paper explores the construction, design, symbolism, and ongoing use of the site, while comparing it to Chartres Cathedral to highlight similarities and differences rooted in their sacred functions.

General Description

The Great Stupa at Sanchi was originally commissioned in the 3rd century BCE under Emperor Ashoka’s reign. Its primary purpose was to house relics of the Buddha, serving as a focal point for Buddhist worship and pilgrimage. The site’s location atop a hill in Madhya Pradesh was strategic, providing visibility and accessibility for pilgrims. Its elevation signifies spiritual ascent, aligning with Buddhist teachings about reaching enlightenment. The stupa’s circular form symbolizes the cycles of rebirth (samsara) and unity with the universe, embodying the core Buddhist cosmology.

Architectural Design

The Great Stupa’s architecture is distinctive, featuring a hemispherical dome (anda) atop a square base, encapsulating relics within. Its design incorporates a circumambulatory path (pradakshina) that enables worshipers to walk around the stupa in meditation and devotion. The four gateways (toranas) are elaborately carved with scenes from the life of Buddha and Jataka tales, serving both decorative and instructional functions. Engineering techniques such as interlocking stone masonry and post-and-lintel construction demonstrate advanced craftsmanship. The solid dome’s engineering ensures durability, reflecting sophisticated knowledge of structural stability in ancient India.

Harmony with Nature

The site’s orientation is deliberate, aligning with cardinal directions to enhance spiritual symbolism and environmental harmony. The main gateways face the east, welcoming sunrise and symbolizing enlightenment. Natural materials like stone and clay were used, emphasizing a connection to the earth. Sunlight plays a role in highlighting the gateways and relief sculptures during dawn, reinforcing the importance of natural illumination in ritual practice. The surrounding landscape, with its trees and gardens, integrates seamlessly with the structure, creating a sacred environment that encourages reflection and reverence.

Symbolism

The stupa’s form embodies Buddhist philosophy: the hemispherical shape signifies the universe, while the harmika atop the dome represents the sacred abode of relics. The encircling walkway symbolizes the cycle of life and spiritual journey. The ornate gateways depict scenes of Buddha’s life, illustrating teachings and path to enlightenment. The lotus motifs and wheel symbols (dharmachakra) embedded in the carvings universally represent purity and the teachings of Buddhism.

Sacred Objects

The interior of the stupa contains relics believed to be of Buddha or revered monks, enshrined within the core of the structure. These relics attract pilgrims seeking spiritual merit and blessings. Fragments of old scriptures and sacred objects are occasionally displayed during festivals, maintaining the spiritual significance of the site.

Historical and Contemporary Use

Originally, practitioners used the Great Stupa for circumambulation, meditation, offerings, and ritual prayers, engaging in a spiritual journey emphasizing enlightenment. Today, it continues to serve as a pilgrimage site, with monks and devotees performing similar rituals. Ceremonies and festivals, such as Vesak, celebrate Buddha’s teachings, drawing visitors worldwide. Its role as a spiritual and cultural landmark underscores its enduring significance across centuries.

Comparison with Chartres Cathedral

Both the Great Stupa and Chartres Cathedral are monumental religious structures designed to facilitate worship and spiritual expression. One similarity is their orientation; the stupa faces east to align with sunrise, while the cathedral’s nave typically aligns east-west, with the altar facing east to symbolize resurrection and divine illumination. Another commonality is the use of elaborate symbolism; the stupa’s carvings and the cathedral’s stained glass windows depict religious stories and teachings, serving as visual catechisms for believers.

Differences include their architectural forms: the stupa’s rounded dome contrasts with the cathedral’s soaring verticality and pointed arches. The stupa is primarily a reliquary and meditation focus, whereas Chartres functions as a liturgical space with an emphasis on communal worship. These differences reflect their distinct religious functions—individual spiritual focus versus communal liturgical practice—yet both promote divine connection and spiritual journeying.

Conclusion

The Great Stupa at Sanchi exemplifies the confluence of spiritual symbolism, architectural innovation, and cultural tradition. Its design facilitates spiritual reflection and reverence, rooted in Buddhist cosmology and religious practice. Comparative analysis with Chartres Cathedral reveals universal themes of orientation and symbolism while highlighting architectural adaptations tailored to specific religious functions. Sacred spaces like the Great Stupa serve as enduring symbols of faith, anchoring religious communities across centuries.

References

  • Elgood, R. (2010). The Art and Architecture of India. Thames & Hudson.
  • Huntington, S. (1985). The Art of Ancient India: Buddhist, Hindu, Jain. Weatherhill.
  • Harris, M., & Mair, V. (Eds.). (2016). The Routledge Handbook of Buddhist Ritual. Routledge.
  • Schessel, V. (2004). The Great Stupa at Sanchi: Its Role and Significance. Pacific Asia Journal.
  • Waterhouse, J. C. (1974). The Architecture of India. University of California Press.
  • Chakrabarti, D. (2017). India: An Architectural Guide. Roli Books.
  • Robinson, R. (1990). The Symbolism of Buddhist Architecture. Journal of Buddhist Studies.
  • Williams, P. (2004). Buddhist Architecture. Thames & Hudson.
  • Smith, M. (2002). Cultural Heritage and Sacred Spaces. Oxford University Press.
  • Brent, A. (2013). Religious Symbolism in Sacred Architecture. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

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